The Spear assault case postponed

“Not all witnesses for the State are present today,” magistrate Nsizwa Shabangu said.

Molesiwa's matter was postponed to March 14.

He had expected to go on trial for allegedly assaulting Louis Mabokela, who was facing charges for allegedly defacing Brett Murray's painting “The Spear”, which depicted President Jacob Zuma with his genitals exposed.

Shabangu said the postponement was also necessary because the doctor who examined Mabokela needed to come to court.

A warrant of arrest was issued for another witness who did not attend.

At first it was thought that Barend la Grange, who had already paid a R1000 fine for defacing the painting, was not in court as a witness, and Shabangu was about to issue a warrant for his arrest too.

But La Grange had been among the first in court since the doors opened.

Mabokela's case for allegedly defacing the painting continues on February 14.